Senior Transit Systems Project Manager

HDR, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 244,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Senior Transit Project Manager to serve as the Los Angeles Systems Lead in the HDR LA office. The successful candidate will have experience and take responsibility for managing all transit system-related projects, leading planning and design teams and engaging clients in the Los Angeles area.

This role requires coordinating planning and design of rail systems projects, assembling plans, specifications and design/construction estimate packages, and acting as a key client contact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field is required or strongly preferred.
• Advanced degree and PE license are preferred but not required.
• Minimum 10 years in railway systems with PM experience and client development.
• Strong organizational and communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead transit system projects in the Los Angeles area and coordinate multi-discipline teams.
• Manage planning and design of rail systems and assemble design/construction packages.
• Serve as a high-level client liaison and coordinate with HDR leadership.
• Oversee QA/QC, subcontractor management, and design reviews throughout the project lifecycle.
• Participate in client development meetings to expand HDR's presence in the region.

Skills

Project management

Client development

Communication

Rail systems

Microsoft Office

Scheduling software

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

PE license preferred

Tools

CADD tools

Estimating software

Scheduling software

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

HDR is seeking a Senior Transit Project Manager to serve as the Los Angeles Systems Lead in the HDR LA office.

The successful candidate will have experience and take responsibility for managing all transit system-related projects, leading planning and design teams and engaging clients in the Los Angeles area.

Specific responsibilities include coordinating the planning and design of rail systems projects as well as managing the assembly of plans, specifications and design/construction estimate packages. Additionally, this individual will be viewed as a key party to serve as a high-level point of contact between the client and HDR. This individual must be a technical expert, with recognized authority in multiple areas of transit and/or rail systems that resolve problems of broader scope and complexity while planning and developing projects or design activities which have significant impact on major company programs. The individual must also be able to plan, organize and supervise the work of medium-to-large staff of professionals and technicians.

Experience leading teams within project management, design management and design build partnership arrangements is a must.

This position will be responsible for managing the design development of transit systems elements, ensuring seamless coordination with track, civil, and facilities disciplines, and supporting construction activities throughout project delivery. In addition, the role will actively participate in HDR's Los Angeles client development meetings, contributing to strategic planning and relationship-building efforts across Los Angeles.

Systems elements:

• AC and DC Traction and Power Distribution Systems
• Utility supply interface coordination
• Train Control
• Communications
• SCADA
• Corrosion Control
• Fare Collection, passenger information and security systems

Transit projects additional roles:

A. Program Management Roles

• Cultivate client relations building internal strength in existing roles by showing depth in systems
• Demonstrate knowledge of safety critical elements of transit systems
• Provide oversight of signaling as part of management team
• Supplement operations analysis and planning studies with knowledge of systems

B. Lead Designer Roles

• Management of specialty subcontractors
• Review submittals, perform QA/QC checks
• Review partners/subcontractor estimates

C. Construction Management roles

• Practical knowledge of communications commissioning
• Management and documentation of compliance from contractor
• Integration of signals testing and entry into operations.

Other responsibilities:

• Direct and coordinate work of single or multidiscipline teams throughout the project's lifecycle (from development & initiation to close-out)
• Responsible for all aspects of large multidiscipline projects or medium-sized projects with high degree of technical complexity, involving a large project staff
• Produce and coordinate several projects concurrently
• Establish and maintain client relations, and be involved with marketing, contractual, design and production meetings
• Conduct work sessions for deliverable development in conjunction with other staff and stakeholders
• Coordinate staffing and workload through entire project life cycle, and ensure completion of deliverables on schedule
• Track financial aspects of projects, and coordinate and adjust work effort with team to ensure that work is completed within parameters of agreed-to budget and schedule
• Work with the Accounting, Operational and Business leadership for periodic project reviews
• Implement QA/QC procedures
• Supervise large project staffs and act as mentor for less-experienced Project Managers
• Perform other duties as needed.

#LI-JF1

Keywords: Senior Transit Systems Project Manager, Traction, Power Distribution Systems, train control, SCADA, railway systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field
• Advanced degree preferred but not required
• PE license preferred but not required
• 10+ years of experience in railway systems
• Solid experience with client development, commuter and freight rail, electrification systems for intercity, commuter systems, heavy rail, light rail, streetcar, and electrified bus operations
• Experience with communications and train control, interface management and system integration design and implementation.
• Experience with CADD tools and ability to complete designs individually
• Must have excellent organizational and communication skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 10 years related experience
• A minimum of 5 years of project management experience
• Familiar with Microsoft Office, estimating and scheduling software, project management software
• Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position is $180,000 - $244,000 and depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.)

Primary Location: United States-California-Los Angeles

Industry: Transit

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: Rail and Transit Systems

Job Posting: Aug 8, 2026